Uduaghan proffers solution to maternal mortality

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has identified access to new technologies, books and state-of-the-arts facilities and equipment as key tools needed in the fight to reduce maternal mortality.

He said it was important for hospitals to be adequately equipped with the best and latest healthcare facilities needed for health workers to improve their knowledge and be abreast of the latest trend in handling health challenges involving pregnant and nursing mothers.

Uduaghan, a medical doctor, spoke at the presentation of a book titled ‘Obstetric Ultrasonography: Basic Principles and Techniques’, which was authored by Dr Festus Ossai

While explaining the importance of proper maternal and child healthcare service to guests at the occasion, the governor disclosed that his administration, through the free maternal and under-five healthcare service scheme, has reduced the rate of maternal and child mortality in the state

He explained that the maternal and child mortality rate went down by more than half from the prevailing 2,500 deaths per 500,000 (.5percent) at the time of his inauguration in 2007 to 1,000 deaths per 500,000 (.2percent) in 2013.

“To underscore the importance of this book, as at today, in Delta State about 500,000 women gets pregnant every year, in 2007, out of the 500, 000, 2,500 died but with the introduction of our free maternal healthcare, we have been able to reduce the deaths to 1,000 per 500, 000 pregnancies,” the Governor stated.

“With this book and with ultrasonography equipment, if we can get the less expensive tablet type and teach our specialist how to use this in the field, we will save a lot of life.”

He observed that serious attention should be paid at all times to pregnant and nursing mothers and advised his successor to retain the free maternal and healthcare programme he initiated for the benefits of mothers and their children in particular and humanity in general.

“Surviving pregnancy by women is very important; it is in the interest of our daughters, mothers and women to ensure that they get safe delivery.”

Dr Uduaghan commended the author of the book for his efforts observing that it has immortalized his name and that of the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in whose honour the book was written.

In his response, Senator Okowa assured that he would carry on the free maternal healthcare of Governor Uduaghan’s administration, noting that, “Delta State has done so much in the healthcare sector both in its infrastructure and programmes; the state has one of the best maternal and child healthcare services in the country, we intend to continue with this programme and there is the need to put up a legislation on community health insurance programme that will guarantee the health of our people.”

For his part, Dr Ossai said he was motivated to write the book because of his desire to contribute to the wealth of knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology and fulfil the yearnings of his colleagues looking for materials to update their knowledge in vital area.

Other speakers at the occasion included the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, who observed that it was important for books to be written in rare areas that requires public enlightenment.